Our Costs and Accounts

Client Agreements

It is important for us to come to an agreement with our clients very early in a matter as to the costs involved. Also, to keep the client up to date with the costs and disbursements incurred in the course of a matter.

Where appropriate, we will enter into cost agreements with clients setting out details of our engagement in a matter.

Our cost agreements comply with relevant statutory requirements.
 

Legal Fees

The considerations that apply to legal fees will vary from matter to matter.

In some cases, such as conveyancing matters, we will be able to give a lump sum fee quote. In others we would charge an hourly rate for work undertaken. That hourly rate will depend on the solicitor involved and the seniority and experience of that solicitor.

Wherever possible we engage support staff in order to keep legal fees as low as possible.
 

Other Charges

In addition to costs, we incur disbursements in most matters. These can vary from search fees through to courier fees, court filing fees, process service fees and barristers’ costs. These are also itemised in our cost agreement.

Generally we seek payment of money into our trust account to cover estimated outlays.
 

Accounts

We render accounts at regular intervals during the course of a matter but usually no more frequently than monthly.

This practice enables our clients to know on a regular basis what the costs situation is. We seek payment of our accounts within 14 days. We reserve the right to charge interest on late payment of accounts, in accordance with the statutory rate.

Accounts may be paid by cheque or direct credit to our bank account. Some matters may also be paid by EFTPOS, Visa card or Master Card.

GST is also payable on all costs and some disbursements.

Copyright © 2008 David Landa Stewart

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